Trigger operated bow string release device

ABSTRACT

A trigger operated bow string releasing mechanism for receiving a bow string and arrow and shooting the arrow incident to a triggered release of the bow string. A hand-supported stock carries the releasing mechanism which includes a bow string engaging hook pivoted to the stock on a vertical axis. The hook is held in its string engaging position through engagement in a notch provided in the lower edge of a trigger which itself is pivoted to the stock on a horizontal axis. The notch is disengaged from the hook to release the bow string when the trigger is pivoted upward by rearward pressure of the archer&#39;&#39;s forefinger on the top end of the trigger.

United States Patent 1 Pinti et al.

[ Sept. 11, 1973 TRIGGER OPERATED BOW STRING RELEASE DEVICE Inventors: Ross A. Pinti, l 106 Roemer Blvd.,

Farrell, Pa.; Patrick R. Pinti, 62 I Stiver St., Hubbard Township, Ohio Filed: July 15, 1971 Appl. No.: 163,019

Related U.S. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 5,202, Jan. 23, 1970, abandoned.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1957 Kellogg 124/35 12/1960 Arsenault 124/35 8/1966 Gruenenfelder 124/40 X 5/1953 Rose 124/35 57 ABSTRACT A trigger operated bow string releasing mechanism for receiving a bow string and arrow and shooting the arrow incident to a triggered release of the bow string. A hand-supported stock carries the releasing mechanism which includes a bow string engaging hook pivoted to the stock on a vertical axis. The hook is held in its string engaging position through engagement in a notch provided in the lower edge of a trigger which itself is pivoted to the stock on a horizontal axis. The notch is disengaged from the hook to release the bow string when the trigger is pivoted upward by rearward pressure of the archers forefinger on the top end of the trigger.

8 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEPI 1 am SHEET 2 [1F 4 INVENTORS PATRICK R. PINTI a BY R088 A. PINTI mwa,m&m

ATTORNEYS PATENTEUSEPI 11915 3.757 763 sum 3 us 4 ENVENTORS PATRICK R1. PINTI 8 ROSS A. PINTI ATTORNEYS PATENTEI] SEP! F I975 3, 757, 763

SHEET UF 4 7 FIG. 16

INVENTORS PATRICK R. PINTI a ROSS A. PINTI TRIGGER OPERATED BOW STRING RELEASE DEVICE This application is a continuation-in-part of US. application Ser. No. 5,202 filed .Ian. 23, 1970, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION To engage in the sport of archery it is conventional to fit an arrow to the string, draw the bow by means of at least two fingers, one on either side of the arrow, aim

the arrow and release the string to propel the arrow to the target. For one who is unaccustomed to the rigors of the sport only a few repetitions of this procedure produces sore muscles, and tender fingers. These inconveniences have a tendency not only to discourage participation in the sport but prevent the full enjoyment of the sport. To help alleviate these problems, there have been provided trigger mechanisms for receiving a bow string and arrow, for holding the bow string in a cocked position and for automatically releasing the bow string upon depressing the trigger. The trigger mechanisms of the prior art are subject to certain disadvantages. For example, such mechanisms render a natural draw difficult to perform due tothe finger arrangement for drawing the bow. The trigger release is actuated by the thumb which is unnatural as compared to the trigger of a gun. The bow string is required to be placed in the mechanism in advance of nocking the arrow. The mechanism after the discharge of the arrow must be reset, before again being applied to the bow string. The mechanismsare complicated assemblages of parts which are difficult to break down while in the field for repair.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel trigger operated bow string release mechanism.

Another object is to provide an improved triggering mechanism for releasably receiving a bow string and an arrow and for shooting the arrow incident to triggered release of the bow string.

Another object is to provide an improved triggering mechanism for shooting an arrow which through a natural draw will relieve the fatigue of the hand and fingers usually experienced in the drawing of a bow string by conventional methods.

Another object is to provide an improved triggering mechanism for shooting an arrow which permits the trigger to be released by means of the forefinger.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved triggering mechanism which will permit with equal facility nocking the arrow either prior to or after placing the bow string in the mechanism.

Another object is to provide an improved triggering mechanism which after releasing the bow string willnot require resetting prior to again placing the bow string in themechanism.

Another object is to provide an improved simplified triggering mechanism which is easy to break down for repair while in the field.

Another object is to provide a recess within the triggering mechanism for the nocked end of the arrow which will permit the arrow nock some lateral movement within the recess.

Another object is to provide. greater flexibility for that portion of the triggering mechanism holding the arrow neck.

Another object is to provide alight clampingarrangement for that portion of the triggering mechanism holding the arrow nock.

These together with the other objects of the invention, will become more fully apparent upon reference to the following description:

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a bow and arrow utilizing the mechanism embodying the principles of the present invention, said mechanism being held in the hand of an archer with the bow string and arrow in drawn position;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged side elevation of the triggering mechanism of the invention in cocked position with an arrow being fragmentarily illustrated;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the invention taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the present invention in a trigger released position;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a bow and arrow and the mechanism of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a double catch trigger;

FIG. 7 is a somewhat enlarged side elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the trigger of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the triggering mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention in cocked position with an arrow fragmentarily illustrated;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of themechanism of the present invention taken along the lines 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmented side elevation of one embodiment of the present invention in a trigger released position;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 taken along lines 13-13;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating. a different angle to the finger holes; a different tension spring arrangement and a different arrangement for holding the arrow nock;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 taken along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the present invention in a trigger re leased position.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an arrow 20 in drawn position, notched in bow string 21 of bow 22. The arrow 20rasshown in FIG. 2 is positioned in the mechanism of the present invention designated generally as 26.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mechanism. 26 includesstock 9 having a cylindrical recess 6 into which the nocked end of arrow 20 is inserted. Passing diametrically through recess 6isbow string slot8 for receiving the bow string and which divides a portion of stock 9 into segments 31 and 32. In segment 31 is an opening 29 through which passes release hook I. Correspondingly positioned in segment 32 is a somewhat larger opening 33 through which also passes release hook 1. Opening 33 is larger than opening 29 to accommodate the end portion of release hook 1 when in the uncocked position. Also provided in stock 9 are finger holes 23 and 24 and a little finger cut-out 25. These finger emplacements are positioned so that an imaginary line connecting the centers thereof is at an angle of approximately 70 to the center line of the arrow shaft to enable the archer to naturally draw the bow, i.e., the arm and arrow shaft are in a straight line. This positioning of three fingers leaves the forefinger and the thumb free to properly aim and release the arrow by means of trigger 2 actuated by the forefinger. The trigger is located on the side of the stock opposite the face so that the trigger is away from the face for a high anchor draw. Attached to stock 9 by assembly bolt 12 as shown in FIG. 3, is a block 10 which carries pin 11 about which pivots release hook 1. Block 10 has a cavity 35 therein which permits the pivoting of the release hook I from a cocked position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to an uncooked position as shown in FIG. 4 or from an uncocked to cocked position. In the cocked position release hook 1 is seated in notch 27 of trigger 2. It affords great strength in holding the bow string and is completely and absolutely maintained by trigger notch. Because of the location of the pivot point of the release hook and the notch of the trigger the weight of the bow is divided between the two points which makes the trigger easier to actuate because the trigger notch is supporting but half the draw weight of the bow. The draw weight is directly in line with the center line of the device thereby allowing a straight and balanced pull of the device. The strain is evenly divided on both sides of the assembly bolt because of the pivotal point of the release and the notch of the trigger. Trigger 2 is mounted on stock 9 by means of bolt 12, nut 16, tension spring 4, washer 15 and nut 14. Trigger2 is of an inverted gun type configuration which allows for maximum force in holding release hook 1 in a cocked position as well as maximum leverage in actuating release hook 1. It is also limited in its pivotal movement about bolt 12 from an uncocked to cocked position by trigger stop 7 and release hook 1, respectively. Biasing trigger 2 away from stop 7 is a tension spring 4 which is anchoredat one end in hole 18 of the triger and at the other end in the hole of 17 of stock 9. Hole 17 is somewhat larger in size than spring 4 to enable that portion of the spring to be capable of slight movement so as to maintain a pressure on release hook I and prevent it from pivoting in a direction toward stop 7.

Release hook 1 moves along spring 4 on one side and edge 28 of the trigger on the other so that after release of the arrow release hook I will be held in the uncocked position.

FIG. 6 shows bow 22 in a drawn position utilizing another embodiment of this invention designated generally as 126. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, mechanism 126 includes stock 109 having a tapered recess 106 into which the nocked end of arrow is inserted. The tapered recess being at its smaller end of a size to grip the arrow with sufficient pressure to prevent its falling from the recess if the archer elects to carry the bow with the arrow nocked but with insufficient pressure to prevent easy emergence of the arrow after the. trigger is released. Also provided in stock 109 are finger holes 123 and 124 and a little finger cut-out 125. Recess 106 is positioned intermediate the bow string holding ends of double release hook 101 to eliminate any possibility of a non-uniform or a non-symmetrical force being applied to the arrow. With non-uniform force being applied there is a tendency to distort the flight of the arrow. Passing diametrically through recess 106 is a bow string slot 108 which divides a portion of stock 109 into segments 131 and 132. In segment 131 are two openings 129 and 130 through which passes double release hook 101 as shown in FIGS. 10 through 13. Correspondingly positioned in segment 132 are two somewhat larger openings 133 and 134 through which also passes double release hook 101. Openings 133 and 134 are larger to accommodate the end portion of double release hook 101 when in the uncocked position. Attached to stock 109 by assembly bolt 112 as shown in FIG. 11, is a block 110 which carries pin 111 about which double release hook 101 pivots. Block 110 has cavities 135 and 136 which will permit the pivoting of double release hook 101 from a cocked to uncocked position or from an uncocked to cocked position. In the cocked position double release hook 101 seats in notches 127 and 128 of trigger 102. Trigger 102 as shown in FIG. 9 is mounted on stock 109 by means of bolt 112 and nut 114. Bolt 112 passes through block 110, hole 113, nut 116, hole 119 in trigger 102, tension spring 104 and washer 115. Trigger 102 is limited in its pivotal movement about bolt 112 from an uncocked to cocked position by edge 137 of trigger 102 contacting double release hook 101 and notches 127 and 128 seating double release hook 101. Biasing trigger 102 toward a cocked position is spring 104 one end of which is anchored in hole 118 of trigger 102 and the other end of which is anchored in hole 117 of segment 131. Hole 1 17 is somewhat larger in size than spring 104 to enable that portion of the spring to be capable of slight movement so as to maintain pressure on double release hook 101 and prevent it from pivoting to a cocked position after it has moved to an uncocked position incident to the trigger being released.

FIGS. 14-17 show still another embodiment of this invention. This embodiment includes stock 209 having a tapered recess section 206 and an enlarged recess section 207 which gives greater flexibility to that portion of the stock holding the arrow nock. The enlarged recess section 207 permits lateral movement of the arrow nock to prevent possible bending of the arrow shaft upon draw. Thus the archer is enabled to concentrate on his aim and not be concerned about control of the pressure of his fingers to allow the arrow to ride straight. Stock 209 also defines finger holes 223 and 224 and a little finger cut-out 225. These finger emplacements are positioned so that an imaginary line connecting the centers thereof is at an angle of approximately 53 to the center line of the arrow shaft. This change in angle from the other embodiments permits the archer to naturally draw the bow while utilizing a modified trigger arrangement. Passing diametrically through recess sections 206 and 207 is a bow string slot 208. Below recess sections 206 and 207 and normal to slot 208 is slot 226. Slot 226 is of a depth substantially that of the recess sections 206 and 207. Because of slot 226 recess section 206 is enabled to gently hold the arrow nock by clamping thereto. Stock 209 is divided into segments 231 and 232. In segment 231 is an opening 229 through which passes release hook 201. Correspondingly positioned in segment 232 is a somewhat larger opening 233 through which also passes release hook 201. Opening 233 is larger than opening 229 to accommodate the end portion of release hook 201 when in the uncocked position. Attached to stock 209 by assembly bolt 212 as shown in FIG. 15, is a block 210 which carries pin 211 about which release hook 201 pivots. Block 210 has a cavity 235 therein which permits the pivoting of the release hook 201 from a cocked position as shown in FIG. 14 to an uncocked position as shown in FIG. 17. In the cocked position release hook 201 is seated in notch 227 of slot 230 of trigger 202. Trigger 202 defining forefinger hole 234 is mounted on stock 209 by means of bolt 212, nut 216, tension spring 204 one end of which is embedded in trigger 202, washer 215 and nut 214. The longer arm of release hook 201 rides in slot 230 from a cocked position while seated in notch 227 to an uncocked position at the other end of the slot. Spring 204 biases release hook 201 in the direction of the uncocked position and holds it there after release of the arrow. Spring 204 also biases the trigger to seat release hook 201 in notch 227 upon cocking of the mechanism.

Although the operation of the described embodiments of the subject invention is believed to be readily apparent it is briefly summarized hereinafter. The mechanism can be carried by the archer in a cocked position on the bow string or loose on the three fingers of the archershand leaving the thumb and forefinger free to remove an arrow from the quiver. If the mechanism is carried loose by the archer, the release hook should be in a position as shown in FIGS. 4, 12, 13 and 17. Upon the archer deciding to shoot an arrow the mechanism is pressed against the bow string with sufficient force to have the release hook assume a position as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 10, ll, 14 and 15. In this position the release hook is seated in the notch or notches of the trigger.

An arrow is then drawn from the quiver, inserted in the recess 6, 106 or 206 and 207 and nocked in the bow string. The arrow is aimed and the trigger activated by means of the forfinger. After activation of the trigger the release hook once again assumes and holds the position shown in FIGS. 4, 12, 13 and 17. This process may be repeated as often as desired without the development of fatigue or tenderness to the arm and fingers.

If it is desired the arrow may be nocked in the bow string prior to inserting the bow string and arrow in the slot and recess respectively.

Should the archer desire to carry the mechanism on the bow string, then to shoot the arrow requires only the insertion of the arrow in the recess, subsequent nocking of the arrow in the bow string, drawing of the bow and activation of the trigger.

Although the invention has been herein shown an described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent mechanisms and apparatus.

What is claimed is: i

l. A loading an releasing mechanism for a bowand arrow comprising a stock having a slot therein, means for holding a bow string within the slot, said means hav- 5 ing one free end, means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot and means to temporarily hold said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position, said means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot comprising a pivoted lever that has a notch for receiving the first mentioned means, said means for temporarily holding said means for holding said bow string comprising a spring biasing means, and one free end of the means for holding a bow string within the slot being retained by means positioned on both sides of said stock equidistant from said slot.

2. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said means for holding said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position comprises a tension spring one end of which is anchored in the stock, the free end of the spring attached to the stock biasing the means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot.

3. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said stock defines a recess separated from the bow string holding device and formed of two sections one of which is tapered to grasp an arrow while the other is larger than the diameter of an arrow to permit lateral movement of the nockedl end thereof while being retained by said tapered section.

4. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 3 wherein said stock defines a horizontal slot normal to said bow string slot and positioned below said recess.

5. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said spring has one end anchored in the lever while the other end is unanchored.

6. A loading and releasing mechanism for a bow and arrow comprising a stock having a slot therein, means for holding a bow string within the slot of said stock, means to release said means for holding a bow string within the slot and means to temporarily hold said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position, means for biasing the means for holding string within the slot, said means for biasing the means for holding a bow string comprising a spring biasing a free end of said means for holding a bow string within the slot, said stock defining at least two finger holes, a recess for receiving the nocked end of an arrow, a slot to receive a bow string passing diametrically through said arrow receiving recess and at least two openings to receive said means for holding a bow string within the slot, said means for holding a bow string within the slot consisting of a single generally U-shaped pin release hook pivotable about a. vertical pin located in a block mounted on one side of the stock and detachably associated with the stock, said means to release said means for holding a bow string within the slot comprising a pivoted finger activated notched trigger mounted on the other side of said stock, said trigger receiving said hook in its notched portion, said release means being pivotable about a horizontal axis, and said means for temporarily holding said means for holding a bow string engaging and biasing said U-shaped pin toward the finger holes in said stock.

7. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 6 wherein said recess is cylindrical in shape.

8. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 6 wherein said recess is tapered. 

1. A loading an releasing mechanism for a bow and arrow comprising a stock having a slot therein, means for holding a bow string within the slot, said means having one free end, means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot and means to temporarily hold said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position, said means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot comprising a pivoted lever that has a notch for receiving the first mentioned means, said means for temporarily holding said means for holding said bow string comprising a spring biasing means, and one free end of the means for holding a bow string within the slot being retained by means positioned on both sides of said stock equidistant from said slot.
 2. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said means for holding said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position comprises a tension spring one end of which is anchored in the stock, the free end of the spring attached to the stock biasing the means for releasing said means for holding a bow string within the slot.
 3. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said stock defines a recess separated from the bow string holding device and formed of two sections one of which is tapered to grasp an arrow while the other is larger than the diameter of an arrow to permit lateral movement of the nocked end thereof while being retained by said tapered section.
 4. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 3 wherein said stock defines a horizontal slot normal to said bow string slot and positioned below said recess.
 5. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 1 wherein said spring has one end anchored in the lever while the other end is unanchored.
 6. A loading and releasing mechanism for a bow and arrow comprising a stock having a slot therein, means for holding a bow string within the slot of said stock, means to release said means for holding a bow string within the slot and means to temporarily hold said means for holding a bow string within the slot in a released position, means for biasing the means for holding string within the slot, saId means for biasing the means for holding a bow string comprising a spring biasing a free end of said means for holding a bow string within the slot, said stock defining at least two finger holes, a recess for receiving the nocked end of an arrow, a slot to receive a bow string passing diametrically through said arrow receiving recess and at least two openings to receive said means for holding a bow string within the slot, said means for holding a bow string within the slot consisting of a single generally U-shaped pin release hook pivotable about a vertical pin located in a block mounted on one side of the stock and detachably associated with the stock, said means to release said means for holding a bow string within the slot comprising a pivoted finger activated notched trigger mounted on the other side of said stock, said trigger receiving said hook in its notched portion, said release means being pivotable about a horizontal axis, and said means for temporarily holding said means for holding a bow string engaging and biasing said U-shaped pin toward the finger holes in said stock.
 7. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 6 wherein said recess is cylindrical in shape.
 8. The loading and releasing mechanism of claim 6 wherein said recess is tapered. 